passwords do not function

["Keith Harris" <newsmedia@xxxxxxxxxx>]

.htpasswd

.htaccess

I have followed all instructions on setting up a password protect directory on my local server.

Nothing works.

I am usaing Windows Vista Ultimate and Apache2.2, with php5.2.8 and Perl

I have followed the instructions to the letter, used .htpasswd to create the password file and added the correct detail into the htaccess file

AuthType Basic

AuthName private

AuthUserFile .htpasswd

Require valid-user

<Files .*>

deny from all

</Files>

I have followed alternative instructions on the Apache documentation site.

The http config file is correctly configured.

The password request box comes up but then the correct user and password details are entered all I get is

Internal Server Error

The server encountered an internal error or misconfiguration and was unable to complete your request ... blah blah blah

The URL in question is

http://www.thetruth.ie/new/

Grateful for any clue to make this work as it should.